RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A humble nickel from 1913 could be worth millions when it goes up for auction this spring.

The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of only five known to exist. Some expect it to sell for $2.5 million or more.

The design is unique because the U.S. officially switched to the Buffalo Head nickel that year, but a U.S. Mint worker is suspected of making a handful of the old design with the new year.

But it's also the coin's rich backstory that could boost its value. It was made illegally and later found in a car wreck that killed its owner. Then it was declared a fake and forgotten in a closet for decades before being rediscovered.

Four Virginia siblings will split the proceeds from the April 25 auction.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)